brideT H E

G U I D E

Here comes the bride and with her – lots of things on the to do list! Whether you are a bride, a mother of the bride or a supportive friend, The Bride Guide lists only vendors who have been recommended by busy, Lowcountry women. Exclusive content, including a Wedding Workbook, is available at EveryBusyWoman.com. Be sure to sign up for the Busy Bride Buzz eNewsletter to stay up to date as the big day approaches. Enjoy! Betty

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brideT H E

G U I D E

BUSY BRIDE TIPS

2014 Wedding Trends

Theme: The four major trends are Rustic/Natural Green

Weddings; Vintage Weddings; Romantic Weddings; and

Quirky/Whimsical Weddings

Dress: Gowns in all shades of pink were big on the bridal runway this season, as were halter tops, 1920’s looks and

lace sleeves.

Flowers: Wild flower bouquets take center stage at natural

weddings while roses, hydrangeas, orchids, peonies and dahlias in mass quantities steal

the show at lavish, romantic weddings.

Cake: Hand painted wedding cakes are the latest trend.

Wedding cakes that have a ruffled effect remain very popular as do ombre cakes that use shaded, graduated

tones of color.

Food: Still going strong in 2014 are food trucks and late night food offered at the reception. Seated dinners also make a

big come back with the focus of the menu being on fresh,

local ingredients.

Drinks: Custom cocktails using interesting ingredients and

flavor combinations, and locally brewed beer.

BAKERIES

Ashley Bakery1662 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

tel 843.763.4125www.ashleybakery.com

WildFlour PastrySpecialty cakes and desserts available for all occasions.

73 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403tel 843.327.2621

www.wildflourpastrycharleston.comSee our ad page 24

BARTENDING SERVICES

ICEBOX Bar Services Outstanding, high quality event bar services offering fresh, innovative and exciting beverage ideas. Our many packages offer the ability to customize bar service to accommodate your every need. We are committed to delivering the best quality service and products with expert bartenders trained in the latest techniques of mixology, speed techniques, and

customer service. Now offering free beverage consultations and client cocktail tastings.

Professional & Friendly • Fully InsuredStandard & Tailored Bar Packages

2220 Old School Drive, Charleston, SC 29405 tel 843.407.0473

email: info@iceboxbar.comwww.iceboxbar.comSee our ad page 45

BEAUTY

The Spa at Charleston PlaceLocated on the 4th Floor of Charleston Place Hotel,

in the heart of downtown Charleston.205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401

tel 843.937.8522www.charlestonplace.com

See our ad page 31

Stella Nova Spa SalonWest Ashley - Mt Pleasant

Stella Nova is the bridal expert, let us prepare you for the aisle.Bridal Gifts, Bridal Suite. Outcall Hair & Make-Up.

West Ashley: 843.766.62332048 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29407

www.facebook.com/stellanova.wa Mt Pleasant: 843.884.3838

1320 Theater Drive, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464www.facebook.com/stellanova.mtp

see our page 13

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The Charleston Bridal Show

This is your special invitation to the most unique bridal show of the year! On January 12, 2014, please join us for The

Charleston Bridal Show at The Charleston Marriott, in the destination wedding capital of Downtown Charleston. Meet

with 75+ vendors in an interactive environment from Noon to 5PM. Admission is $10 at the door. Bridal Fashion • Music &

Entertainment • Hors D’oeuvres & Cake Samples • The Latest Wedding Decor & Props

170 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, SC, 29403tel 843.452.3950

www.thecharlestonbridalshow.com

CATERING

Cru Catering Eclectic Modern American Cuisine

Cru Catering offers full-service customized catering, including weddings, meetings, special events and private parties. We coordinate pre-planned menus for groups of

all sizes. Find out why we’ve been voted Charleston’s Best Caterer for more than a decade.

Voted Best Caterer 2001 - 2012 by Charleston City Paper readers. Voted the Best of Weddings 2010 - 2012 Pick by The Knot Chef John Zucker, 1st in Class, Cordon Bleu Graduate

1784 Harmon Street, Charleston, SC 29403tel 843.534.CHEF (2433)

www.crucatering.comSee our ad page 47

Granville’s CateringOne-of-a-kind menus for weddings, rehearsal dinners,

corporate events and more. We are committed to excellent food, interesting wines and spirits and warm, inviting service

at reasonable prices. We source fresh local produce, meat and seafood whenever available and we believe in recycling and

contributing to our community in a positive way.Contact Trae Wilson, Chef Owner

730 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403tel 843.224.5873

email: Trae@GranvillesGroceryandCatering.comwww.GranvillesGroceryandCatering.com

CHILDREN’S WEAR

Southern Belles Exquisite and Unique Children’s Attire & Gifts for

Weddings and Special Occasions280 W. Coleman Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

(Northcutt Plaza Specialty Shops)tel 843.881.1741

www.southernbellesonline.comSee our ad page 27

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It Fitz Jewelry by Nikki Fitzgerald Wood

We specialize in customized jewelry for the bride, mother of the bride/groom and the bridal party that captures

the essence of your special day, creating a timeless, one-of-a-kind keepsake. Visit the online gallery and

contact Nikki for a design consultation. tel 843.343.3242

email: nikki@itfitzjewelry.com www.itfitzjewelry.com

WEDDING EVENT VENUES

Carolina Queen Make your wedding a truly special occasion aboard the

Carolina Queen – one of Charleston’s most unique eventlocations. Whether you’re planning a rehearsal dinner,wedding ceremony or wedding reception, delight your

guests with exceptional service, delicious food andthe ever-changing views of Charleston’s picturesque harboras you cruise on Charleston’s only Paddlewheel Riverboat.

tel 843.722.1112 or 800.344.4483 email: sales@charlestonharbortours.com

www.charlestonharbortours.comSee our ad page 49

Harbour ClubLocated in the heart of historic Charleston, the 200-year-old

building and rooftop terrace offer an atmosphere symbolic of southern hospitality for parties of to 250. Allow us to create a

day to carry you through forever.35 Prioleau Street, Charleston, SC, 29401

tel 843.723.9680www.harbour-charleston.com

Lighthouse on the CreekNestled in the heart of Mt. Pleasant, SC on historic

Shem Creek, our unique waterfront facility features a stunning sunset vista, spacious porches and a sensational

Lowcountry backdrop your guests will love. Perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, executive retreats, corporate

meetings and other elegant events.tel 843.881.7384

www.shemcreekevents.com

BUSY BRIDE TIPS

Wedding Venue Questions

❏ Can the facility comfortably accommodate the size of the wedding or the number of guests invited?

❏ Does the site have handicap access?

❏ Is there a power source where you need it to be?

❏ Does it have restroom facilities?

❏ Is it heated and/or air-conditioned?

❏ Is there a room available for the bride to change clothes or freshen up?

❏ How much is the total rental fee and what does it include?

❏ Is there a time limit on our reception?

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WEDDING CHECKLIST12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING❏ Set a budget❏ Select a theme, colors, etc.❏ Ceremony date, time and site❏ Book officiant❏ Reserve the reception site❏ Select your attendants❏ Caterer, Florist, Wedding Consultant❏ Photographer and Videographer❏ Music - ceremony and reception❏ Wedding dress, headpiece and accessories❏ Bridesmaid’s dresses❏ Begin compiling guest list❏ Be sure to sign contracts!

9 MONTHS BEFORE❏ Register for china, gifts, etc.❏ Plan the honeymoon!❏ Send out save the date cards

6 MONTHS BEFORE❏ Order bridesmaid’s dresses and flower girl’s dress❏ Current visas and passports?❏ Discuss rehearsal dinner with groom

4 MONTHS BEFORE❏ Finalize guest list❏ Order invitations, programs and stationery

❏ Order formal wear for groom and attendants❏ Book hair and makeup❏ Wedding cake and groom’s cake

2 MONTHS BEFORE❏ Final dress fitting❏ Finalize ceremony details: procession, seating chart, etc.❏ Gifts for bridal party❏ Cake knife and champagne glasses for toast❏ Guest registration book❏ Wedding rings❏ Select who will be in charge of what on day of❏ Plan your getaway - car, carriage, etc.

6 - 8 WEEKS BEFORE❏ Mail invitations❏ Photo list for photographer and videographer❏ Send announcement to newspaper

2 WEEKS BEFORE❏ Pick up wedding gown❏ Marriage license❏ Put all necessities in one bag or container for easy transport

1 WEEK BEFORE❏ Guest count to caterer❏ Check in with all service providers❏ Inform attendants and family where to be and when

WEDDING RENTALS

Event DRS Dining Rental Solutions

Providing you with a complete resource for all your event rental needs. Known throughout Charleston for our amazing selection,

great customer service, and can-do attitude. We pride ourselves on providing quality products at a reasonable

price. We have all the rental equipment to make your next event spectacular!

Farm Tables + Benches + Custom BarsChina + Flatware + Glassware

Tables + Chairs + Specialty LinensNow offering Free Rental Consultations for our Monarch Crystal

Glassware and Customizable Fine China. 2220 Old School Drive, Charleston, SC 29405

tel 843.407.0473email: info@eventdrscharleston.com

www.eventdrscharleston.comSee our ad page 45

BUSY BRIDE TIPS

Wedding On Your Budget

One of the biggest mistakes a couple can make is hosting a

wedding that they cannot afford. You’ll want guests to go away celebrating the abundant love

for the couple - not the shortage of food and drink. Get a realistic

picture of the cost of each component of the big day before

planning to make sure your vision is in line with

your finances.

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HONEYMOON CHECKLIST

Help ensure peace of mind while you’re away by getting your home ready.

❑ Ask neighbor to keep an eye on your house, supply them with contact numbers & a key in case of emergency.

❑ Hold your mail/newspaper delivery or have a neighbor collect.

❑ Mow your lawn & arrange for plants to be watered.

❑ Use timers to turn on/off lights at appropriate times.

❑ Adjust thermostats for HVAC, refrigerator & water heater & unplug appliances.

❑ Remove perishable food items & take out all garbage.

❑ Shut off washing machine water valve to prevent flooding if a hose should break.

❑ Activate your alarm; lock all windows & doors; close blinds & curtains.

❑ Notes & Reminders:

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Download this list at EveryBusyWoman.com

December 3, 2013

Members, guests & potential members, join us to:

eat...drink...be merry

@The Lighthouse on Shem Creek 202 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant

Center for Women Member’s Holiday Soiree!

Anne’sEvent DRSLow Country Women’s SpecialistsOdell Graphic Design

Shem Creek Events Stella Nova Spa Salon - West Ashley & Mt Pleasant

Catered by Fork Fine Gourmet & Catering | Complimentary Cocktails Wear your festive best & enjoy holiday jingles with DJ Greg Pitt

RSVP: 843.763.7333 | Gift bags for the first 150 RSVPs Drop a renewal or gift membership or a tax-deductible donation into a stocking for your chance to win the prize drawing for the festive “stu�er” inside.

Presented by:

Holiday Cheer Sponsors: